Method and apparatus for straightening sheet material



July 30, 1935,

F. K. MussNEs'r METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENING SHEET MATERIAL Filed March 27, 1934 -4 Sheets-Sheet 1 gli@ July 30, 1935- F. K. MUssNEs'r 2,009,508

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENING SHEET MATERIAL Filed March 27, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 30, 1935. F. KAMussNE'r 2,009,508

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENING SHEET MATERIAL Filed March 27. 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 July 30, 1935. F. K. lMUssNEs'r `2,009,508

METHOD AND APPARATUS FR STRAIGHTENING SHEET MATERIAL l Filed March 27. 1934 4 sheets-sheet 4 5,7' PIE. 9.

INVENTOR Patented July '30, 1935 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHT- ENING SHEET MATERIAL Friedrich xgMsmest, Woodside, N. Y., assigner to Hedwirmussnest, Woodside, N. Y.

Application Mai-eh 27, 1934, Serial No. 717,610

35 Claims. (Cl. 153-54) This invention relates in general to a method of, and apparatus for, attening or straightening sheet, strip and-plate material in machines of the vroller leveler type, but more speciilcally though not limited, to machines of this character which employ comparatively small diameter straightening or sheet-engaging rolls', sofas to -ilat and mostly show an increased length of the. edge areas in relation to the middle area of the,

sheet, or vice versa, which distorted condition is called the mill shape of the sheets. In order to render these distorted sheets into a fiat condition as required for commercial purposes, it isessential to stretch same along their short area or areas.

The function of smallv diameter straightening rolls engaging a sheet is to flex vthe material oi the sheet by successively and alternately subjecting the same part of the sheet to compression` and tension stresses; for this reason it is evident that the smaller the diameter of the straightening rolls, the more effective the leveling action will be.l

The contact surfaces ofthe straightening rolls produce during their rotation a kneading etiect within the grain structure of the sheet, subjectving the same to stresses considerably beyond its yield point by creating a series of transverse bends or corrugations. This action eliminates the internal stresses in the sheet, rendering the same in a state of cold plasticity. This condition favors attening the sheet throughout its entire length and width by stretching the short area or areas of the sheet.

To apply small diameter straightening rolls introduces however certain dilculties which not only manifest themselves in anundesirable wear on the working parts and elements of the machine, but also in an undesired longitudinal de iiection of the rolls which prevents said rolls from maintaining that contour duringv the straightening process which would result in the most eective leveling action.

The sheet-engaging rollsA are not only supported A .inlibearings at their ends, but they are also Vreinfrced on so-called supporting rolls which are lccated along and, in staggered order to the straightening rolls." Whenever the latter are to straighten a sheet, the pressure to be given at the desired location of the sheet may be adjusted by means of such supporting r0lls.`

` However, the results so far obtained are still lacking the desirable flexibility of adjustment of the straightening rolls and thepositive and unyielding support of the rolls in their ilexed condition which would lead toward an effective, durable, and efficient machine, employing the smallest feasible roll diameters without sacrificing rigidity as is required in the metal industries. 10

Of the several methods known to the vtrade that of the V or inverted V formation of relativelydisplaceable supporting rolls has given the most preferable results over the others. In this method of sustaining the straightening rolls, I5. however, the outer edges and the inner edges of pairs of supporting rolls form a respective V or inverted V shape which 'will be in contact with the flexed straightening rolls, resulting 'in a sup-4 port of the latter on certain points only, but not 2 on the desirable total length ofthe supporting rolls. The flexed working contour of the straightening rolls should preferably resemble either a concave or convex curve. Its selection depends on the distorted condition of the sheet to Jbe 25 attened. l

The journals .of the rolls are very sensitive for the reason that the diameter of these rolls shouldV v be as small as possible in vproportion to the Ithickness oi the sheets to be straightened. On ac- 30 count of the iiexing of the rolls, the bearings of same are subjected to' uneven pressures when The time required for actually passing a sheet 45.

of 10 feet length through the rolls of a leveler which has a delivery speed of 60 feet a minute is 10 seconds. The time elapsed between the v adjustment of the machine fora distorted sheet and the readjustment-for a distorted sheet of A different mill shape is frequently one or more minutes lwhen sheets of diiering distortions are subsequently flattened. If batches of .sheets with the same mill shape are straightened, the

straightening rollsmay remain-*for instance in a convex contour for hours or maybe even days, resulting in a permanent distortion of the rolls, while only a fraction of this time is usefully employed for actually flattening sheets. It is thereforedesirable to eliminate this defect.

One of the main objects 0f my invention is to provide means whereby both the straightening rolls and the supporting rolls are quickly and accuratelyV adjustable relative to each other to deect the rolls into any contemplated convex or concave contour depending on the distorted condition of the sheet to be straightened.

Another object is to reinforce the straightening rolls over a substantial part of their length during operation on substantially the entire length of the supporting rolls which will have a contour similar to the working curve required by Ithe other rolls.

It is also-an object of my invention to cause a sheet to deflect the rolls into a predetermined working contour during the time said sheet is passing through the rolls.

- Furthermore it is an object to provide bear.

ings on straightening rolls and/or supporting rolls which permit the rolls to remain in their straight and u nstrained condition until such time as a sheet is actually passed through -the rolls.

Another object of my invention is to provide in combination with such bearings, means to lock the movement of the same if desired.

'I'hese and other objects which will be pointed out in the specifications and especially in the claims to follow, I attain by means of I ny invention disclosed in the drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a front viewof a sheet straightening machine in section along line I-I Fig. 2.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the machine shown in Fig. 1. v

Fig. 3 illustrates a partial sectional top View of rolls and suppor-ts on line 3--3 Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a partial sectional top view of secondary rolls in their bearings on line 4-4 Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a sectional side view of the lower part of the straightening machine on line 5--5 Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a sectional front view of a modified form of the lower part of the straightening machine shown in Fig. l.

Fig. '7 illustrates a sectional front view of the lower part of a straightening machine similar to Fig. 1 showing however a different arrangenlent for adjusting the rolls.

Fig. 8 shows a sectionaltop view of part of a roll adjustment on line 8-8 Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 illustrates a sectional front view of the lower part of a straightening machine with divided supporting rolls.

Fig. 10 shows a similar view as Fig. 9, depicting a modified form of the roll adjustment.

Fig. 11 illustrates a sectional side view ofthe machine of Fig.9 on llne II-I I.

Fig. 12 shows a side view of a modified ar- -rangement of bearing blocks, partly in section.

Fig. 13 illustrates a sectional front 'view of the bearing block of Fig..12 on line I3-'I3.

Figs. 14, 15, 16, and 17 illustrate in diagrammatic form convex and concave roll displacements possible by means of the constructions shown in Figs. 1 and 7.

Figs. 22 and 23 illustrate diagrammatically one of the roll displacements possible by means of design in Fig. 10.

Fig. 24 shows a perspective view of one upper and two lower, deflected straightening rolls to illustrate the plasticdeformation of the sheet passing through said rolls.

In referring to Figs. l to 5, the machine illustrated comprises a lower base section I and an upper detachable section 2, both of which may represent the main body portions of a conventional type sheet or plate straightening machine. To base 3 of lower section l are secured in a suitable manner two walled uprights 4, which serve the purpose to guide at their outer ends two vertically displaccable bearing supports or pillowblocks 5. These supports retain each a bearing or bearing body 6 which is located on the top surface .of each support. The contacting surfaces of sup- The curvilinearfbaring surfaces serve the purpose to permit bearing bodies 6 to change their location Whenever rolls I are caused to change their contour and are to assume a exed condition as shown for instance in Fig. 15. This will q therefore result in a more eveni distribution of the frictional forces on bearing ends 8 of each roll.V

Furthermore, bearing bodies 6 may be lifted away from pillow-blocks 5 when adjusting the rolls for a convex formation (Fig. 16). Bearing supports 5 are guided between shoulders 9 of uprights l and suitable gibs or plates Il) are fastened to the uprights.

Underneath the lower-.straightening rolls Iand between each pair thereof are located supporting instrumentalities or supporting rolls II, which may be of substantially the same diameter as the other rolls. Rolls I I, which are shorter than the others, are supported at their ends in bearings or bearing bodies I2 which rest on a pair of secondary uprights I3 secured to the base 3 in any suitable manner.

The supporting surfaces of both bearing bodies I2 and uprights I3 have a curvilinear contour similar to those previously described. The formation of these surfaces is also for the purpose to permit the supporting rolls II to flex in longitudinal direction without exerting undue strain on the bearing ends of the rolls as well as the inner surfaces of the bearing bodies I2.

Underneath and between each pair of supportlng rolls II is located a pivot roll I5 of comparatively short length, but substantially large diameter. Each 'pivot roll is supported on its bearing ends I6 in a supporting yoke II, movable with the pivot rolls in vertical direction and guided in reinforcements of inner walls I8 of uprights I, Figs. 4 and 5.

The weight of yoke I l and its pivot rolls is carried by two vertically displaced adjusting screws I5, engaging hubs 20 of the yoke. These screws are rotatably mounted with their shanks or extensions 2I 4in bosses 22 which form a part of and extend below the top surface of base. 3. vScrews i9 are prevented from moving in either vertical direction by means of collars 23 at the lower end and worm-wheels 24 resting on the top surface of base 3 and located below the threaded part of the screw. Both worm-wheels are secured tight to their respective screws I! for'the reason that their lower surfaces carry the weight and the pressure exerted on the pivot rolls. Between the worm-wheels and in engagement with same isv a worm 25 secured to a. shaft 2S. When turning this shaft, the rotating screws will thus either raise or lower the yoke with its pivot rolls I5; the latter may also bel referred to as reinforcing elements. In using only one worm for the operation of two worm-wheels, it is evident that one of the screws I9 musthavea thread directed opposite to that ofthe other. Shaft 26, which extends throughout the whole length of the machine, is

supported in several bearings 21, secured to the top surface of base 3. At one of the ends of shaft 26 is a handwheel 28.

The two movable pillow-blocks 5 are each supported by two vertically arranged screws 30 which are similar Ato screws I9 and held in suitable bosses 3l of base 3 in the same manner las the screws I9. Worm-wheels '32, secured to the upper shank part ofv each screw. 30, are engaged and rotatable 'by means of worms 33, also fast to shaft 26. Worms 33 differ from worm 25 in that the latter is threaded opposite to the other worms 33 so that when turning handwheel 28 in one direction, the straightening .rolls 1 will be raised on their pillow-blocks 5, while the pivot rolls I5 are being lowered, as shown in Fig. 14. If handwheel 28 should be turned in the opposite direction, pivot rolls I5. will be raised, while pillowblocks 5 are being lowered (Fig. 16).

The pitch of thread of either set of screws I9, 30, or the ratio of gearing of worm-wheel devices 33, 32 and 25, 24 may differ so that one set of rolls moving in one direction may travel faster than the other which is moved in the opposite direction. Said pitch of thread of screws and ratio of gearing of worm-wheel devices may be the same on both sets of screws and on both worm-wheel devices. In this event, screws I9 travel as fast as screws 30, but in opposite direction. By means of handwheel 23 the lower rolls are moved a definite amount relative toeach other. The lengths of the respective movements of both sets of screws depend on the proportionate length of straightening rolls 1 and supporting rolls Ii (see diagrammatic views).`

Rolls which are adjusted relative to each other are depicted in Fig. 16, where the pivot rolls I5 have lifted the supporting rolls il from their bearing supports and where the supporting rolls in turn have lifted and sustained the straightening rolls 'I on their working surfaces, while pillow-blocks 5 have been lowered.

The upper section- 2 of the straightening machine comprises a rigid frame 35 within which is supported at its outer ends a row of upper sheetexing elements or straightening rolls 31 arranged in staggered relation with/respect to the lower straightening rolls 1. Between these two sets of straightening rolls or sheet-flexing elements the sheet or plate to be straightened is passed.

The upper rolls 31 are rigidly supported againstA pressure by upper supporting rolls 38, rotatable in irame'2. These rolls may be divided in any desirable number of sections to increase their still.'- ness and prevent flexing, so that rolls 31 will be supported in `accordance thereto. Frame 35, as

usual, may be raised, lowered or tiltedby means y 3 in the uprights 4 of lower section I. The weight of frame 35 is counterbalanced by means of heli-- cal springs 44 on spindles 43. Every roll of both sets of upper and lower straightening rolls is provided at one of its ends with a universal coupling The constructions shown for adjust-I in straight, non-deflected position, touching eachv other over their respective entire length and this location shall be referred to as the neutrallocation of these rolls. The location of their respective bearings and supports as shownin the above mentioned gures shall also be referred to as their neutral location as long as these elements are not displaced in vertical directions. To follow the deections of the rolls, a tilting movement alone does not constitute a change in the neutral locations of the bearings. Consequently, bearing blocksl I2 in both Figs. 14 and 15 should be conof the term usedherein.

l Fig. 7 illustrates a lower body section I' which in its structural features is similar to that previously described and in which like parts have received like numerals with a prime mark attached to. each such numeral. Worm-'wheels 24. and their worm 25' which actuate yoke I1 are however displaced and located underneath the upper sur- -face of base 3. Worm 25' is mounted on aseparate shaft 48 in bearings, Fig.4 8, and is provided with a suitable handwheel 50 located on the same side as handwheel 28'. A rotation of hand- Asidered in neutral locations under the meaning wheel will raise or lower the lower supporting rolls in lthe manner described before. It is thusV possible for van operator to adjust both the straightening rolls and the pivot rolls independent of each other and obtain the same or similar.

displacement of rolls as those shown in the diagrammatic views of Figs. 14 and 16.

Fig. 6 illustrates a lower base section I", which,A with the exception of the roll adjustment, is identical to lower body section I shown in Fig. l.

Therefore, those parts of Fig. 6 which are alike and similar to those of Fig. l have received like numerals with two prime marks attachedto same to eliminate a lengthy description and make its reading simple and more comprehensible.

The roll vadjustment differs from that of Fig. ii

in that the pivotrolls I5" are held in a. stationary bearing support I1". Furthermore, pillow-blocks I3 of supporting rolls II may bev raised and lowered by means of worms and worm-wheels 25, 24", and screws 2|". The arrangements of these devices are similar' to those which raise and lower the straightening rolls 1" described and shown in more detail in Fig. 2. However, worms 25" are threaded in the same direction as worms I3" so that pillow-blocks I3" and 5" will travel in the same direction, when handwheel 28" is rotated.

Straighteningrolls 1" are longer than supporting rolls Il" which are symmetrically arranged in respect to rolls l1". As both sets of rolls 1" .and

I I" are deflected into similar curves (F.g. 19) it is evident that the length-of travel of pillow-blocks I3 must be shorter than that of blocks 5" (Fig.l

The amount of travel of supports 5 and I3" may be varied by selecting for instance a different ratio of gearing for respective worm-wheel devices 33", 32", and25", 24".

If desired, ,worms 25" may be attached to a separate shaft and separate adjustments provided for straightening rolls and supporting rolls similarly'as described in connection with Fig. '1.

Fig. 9 illustrates a lower secton I 0I, wherein two sets of supporting rolls III are employed and The outer and inner ends of both sets of rolls I I I are rotatable in respective swivel blocks or bearing bodies |I2, IIII with curvilinear bearing surfaces similar to those already described.

Bearing blocks |05 supporting the lower straightening rolls |01 in swivel blocks |06 are raised or lowered by means of screws |30 in opposite direction to bearing support I I1.

A diagrammatical view of the displacement or rolls |01, I I I, is disclosed in Fig. 20, showing the straightening rolls |01 raised by means of the supporting rolls III, while bearing supports |05 are shown in a lowered position relative to their neutral location. It is thereby indicated that the bearing' bodies II4 of supporting rolls III and bearing supports |05 travel in `opposite directions.

In Figs. 9 and 11 those parts which are identical or similar to those in Fig. 1 have received like numerals with a 1 or 10 attached in front of the respective tens or unit numbers thereof, so as to facilitate the reading of the drawings and simplify the description thereof.

If desired, bearing block I I1 may also be raised or lowered by means of a separate shaft attachment in the manner shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is similar to Fig. 9, the difference between the two isthe same as that between the two respective Figs. 6 and 1, wherein the latter has the supporting block or yoke I1 movable and the other stationary. In Fig. 10 the outer pillowblocks II3' of supporting rolls III' are made adjustable, the constructional features being identical to those described and shown in Fig. 6 and need therefore no further description. The adjustment -of straightening rolls and supporting rolls relative to each other is in the same direction, however differing as to amount, in the same manner and for the same reason as described in connection with Fig. 6. y

In Fig. -10 like parts identical and similar to those shown in Figs. V9 and 11 have received like numerals with a prime mark attached to same.

Two independent adjustment shafts similar in construction to those shown in Fig. '1 may of course also be employed, if so desired.

A diagrammatic view of one of the adjustments possible with the construction of Fig. 10 is shown in Fig. 22.

Upper frame 2 with upper straightening rolls 31 and supporting rolls 38, Figs. 1 and 2, is'ad- 'justable in such a way with respect to lower frame I that the rst rolls on -the entry side of the machine can be set deeper than the following ones. Thereby, the sheet is subjected to deep corrugations on the entry side of the'machine and these deep bends'aregradually removed by the succeeding rolls until the sheet emerges from the machine in :dat condition. Fig. 2 shows the upper frame adjusted for feeding the sheets from right to left as indicated by the arrow.

Perspective view of Fig. 24 shows part of a typical formation of transverse corrugations to which a sheet is subjected by a convex roll formation. Those waves designated by numerals 18, A19, Fig. 24, which arein contact with deflected rolls 11 follow the convex contours of said rolls and, consequently, waves of differing transverse amplitude are formed in the sheet by the defiected rolls 11. -It will be noted that by reason of the convex contour of lower rolls 11, the middle section 19 of the waves is subjected to a deeper bend than the ends 'I8 of these waves. 'I'his deeper bend causes a greater pressure along this area which results in a. stretching action along the middle area of the sheet.

It is evident that the transverse amplitude of the waves or corrugations, formed by straightening rolls which are deflected into a concave contour, will be reversed. The ends of the sheet will have deeper bends than the middle part of the sheet. Consequently, the ends of the sheets will be subjected to a stretchingaction.

Fig. 24 may represent, for instance, a condition as that shown in Fig. 17. This construction permits adjustments of straightening rolls 1 and pivot-rolls I5 in opposite vertical directions to place elements 1 and I5 into new positions relative to each other, so as to deect both rolls II and 1 into the desired working contours. Supporting blocks I3, which sustainv supporting rolls at their ends, are maintained in neutral locations regardless of any adjustments of straightening rolls 1 and pivot-rolls I5. It is therefore obvious, that those sections of the waves of differing transverse amplitude which are locatedin the same vertical planes as supporting blocks I3 will be maintained in neutral locations, while a sheet is exed between the straightening rolls, regardless of whether the middle sections of said waves are being raised, while the edge sections thereof are being lowered, or vice versa.

'I'he neutral, straightA location of the rolls and their supports previously referred to, may be utilized to pass through a sheet for finishing same with even pressure and therefore without stretching any particular areas of the sheet.

Each of the machines shown in Figs. l, 6, '7, 9, 10, permits concave as well as convex roll formations. Both concave and convex formations have been shown for machines in Figs. 1 and '7 in the diagrammatic views of Figs. 14, 15, 16, 1'1, while one characteristic roll formation each has been illustrated for' the-others to show clearly the adjustments and movements of the rolls and their supporting means relative to each other.

In Figs. 14 to 23, the rolls are illustrated to be in the same vertical plane. The sheets are depicted to follow the contours of the lower, deflected straightening rolls. The diagrammatic views show the adjusted and deflected condition of the rolls and that of their supports in exaggerated form to more clearly demonstrate the movements of the rolls relative to each other and their bearing-supports. In actuality, these movements are very short and hardly ever exceed a small fraction oi' one inch. Arrows indicate the relative adjustments. Furthermore, the exaggerated form of the deflected lower straightening rolls shows clearly which areas of the sheet are subjected to the greatest pressure.

-In Fig. 14 which discloses one adjustment of ing the greatest pressure at the edge areas and rolls possible with the machines of Figs. 1 and 7, the lower straightening roll 1 is shown to be i'aised relative to supporting roll Il, while pivot roll I5. is lowered relative to the latter. Therefore, the l rolls are illustrated to be adjusted in such a manner that'the working surfaces of the lower three rolls are not in contact with each other. When' a sheet, of which its two edge areas are shorter than its middle part, is being passed between the two straightening rolls` 31, 1, the rolls 1 and II will assume a concave formation' (Fig. 15), causthus produce a result which is known to straighten a sheet of such distorted shape most effectively. It will be noted that on account of the curvilinear supporting surfaces of the bearing bodies 6 and I2, these bearing bodies are free to follow the movement of the flexed rolls and thus relieve unnecessary strains on the bearing ends of the rolls, reducing wear and giving longer life to same.

. 5 of the straightening rolls. For this reason, the

L upward movement of the pivot rolls I5 causes the supporting rolls I I to be lifted from their bearing supports I3 the straightening Vrolls 1 'are also raised on their working surfaces in accordance therewith, while the pillow-blocks 5 are being lowered relative to their neutral location. A displacement of rolls of this character is required for the straightening of sheets,of which the two edge areas are longer and which require maximum pressure at the middle part of the sheet.

Fig. 17 discloses both the straightening rolls and the supporting rolls flexed into a convex contour with the pressure for stretching applied in the middle of the sheet. f l n Fig. 18 illustrates a diagrammatic view of an adjustment of the straightening rolls 1" andsupporting rolls II" made possible by means of the mechanism of Fig'. 6. Both sets of rolls 1" and I I" are being raised, while the pivot rolls I5" remain stationary. A sheet passing throughV the rolls will flex the raised rolls into a concave contour, Fig. 19, which therefore discloses a viewv which is similar to Fig. 15.v

The respective convex roll formation possible with mechanism of Fig. 6 would be similar to Figs. 16 and 17, the difference being that pillow-blocks 5" and I3" are both lowered different amounts, while yoke I1 remains stationary.

Figs. 15, 17,19, show the lower straightening rolls and their supporting rolls in flexed working position and it will be noted that the flexedA straightening rolls rest on the similarly flexed supporting rolls over the entire length of the latter.

The adjustment of rolls illustrated in the diagrammatic view of Fig. 20 is made possible by "means of the construction shown in Fig. 9. The

inner bearing bodies III of supporting rolls lIII are raised relativeto their outer bearings H2, causing the straightening rolls |61 to be lifted from their pillow-blocks III. At the same time pillow-blocks |05 of the-lower straightening rolls H1 are lowered so that the straightening rollsmay be enabled to asume the desired exed con j tourwhenasheetispsssedthroushthcrolls. The divided supporting'rolls IIIfassume in-. verted V shape as shown. vWhen forming a concave straighteningl roll. curve with the construction disclosed in Fig. 9. the

movements of lower rolls and their supports would be similar toFigs. 14 and 15, with the difference that the divided supporting rolls III would forma v shape similar to that shown in Fig. 23. I

In the diagrammatic View of Fig. 22, the straighteningrolls |01 and the outer bearings II2' of supportingv rolls III' are made adjustable, as disclosed in the ,constructional view of Fig. 10. While the straightening rolls |01' are raised on their pillow-blocks |05', the outer bearings II2 of supporting rolls III' are also being raised relative to their inner bearings IM', causing thereby a Vformation. This is similar to Fig. 6, in connection with which the relative adjustments of straightening rolls and supporting v rolls have been described.' Consequently, similar as in Fig. 6, the pillow-blocks |05', Fig. 22, will travel faster than the outer bearings H2' of supporting rolls. A sheet passing through the rolls, Fig. 23, will therefore e'x the lower straightening rolls into a concave formation.

'I'he corresponding convex straightening roll formation possible with mechanism of Fig. v10, requires movements of lower rolls and their supports identical to those. described in connection with the convex roll formation' possible with the construction' shown in Fig. 6, with the difference that divided supporting rolls III form van inf verted V shape similar to that shown in Fig. 21.

While in the various modifications disclosed, the result will either'be a concave or convex for' mation of the rolls, it has been found necessary to disclose various possibilities of producing similar results by different arrangements of mechanism, so as to enable the apphcant to select either one of the various constructions, which all embody the relative adjustment of straightening rolls and supporting instrumentalities, to suit i his purpose. v

It will be understood that the liftable bearing arrangement for the straightening rolls and sup-.- porting rolls, distinctly noticeable in Figs. 16 and 20, represents Aa. novel feature which is independent of adjustments of straightening rolls and supporting means relative to each other` to defiect the straightening rolls into the desired working contour. Bearing varrangement in locked condition as illustrated'inFig. 12 or any of the bearings used Aheretofore may be employed for these rolls. Lifted rolls as shown in Figs. 16 and 20, for instance, would then be eliminated and the deflected roll contours as shown in Figs. 17 and 21 would be'positively vproduced by the adjustment proper and not by the sheet passing between the straightening rolls.

The modification of the bearing arrangement. for straightening and/or supportingrolls, illus-I trated in Figs.' 12and 13, comprises a supporting or pillow block 55. The bearing body 56, within -which the ends of rolls 51 are supported, as well as the pillow block SI5v may be `provided with curvilinear contact surfaces as shown in the other designs. In addition tdthat, bearing body 56 possesses twospherical contact faces at its outer ends r58 which contact faces engage curvilinearv or spherical supports 60 which allow the bear# ing body tofollow the lmovement caused by a.

toY

fiexure of the rolls. The lower parts II of said supports are vertically movable in recesses of supporting block Il and guided by means of suit-1 'I5 by means of keys. passing through these vable `gibs or plates 02. Lower parts 0I 1are'pro Y. vided withmeans for locking same to pillow block permit bearing body 56 to move in vertical directions with relation to pillow block 55, keys 59 may be removed. To the lower surface of each bearing end 58 are fastened guide plates 63 which serve -the purpose to prevent the bearing block 56 from being raised and moved away from its supports 60. This may be the case under conditions shown in the diagrammatic views of Figs. 16, 17, 20, 21. It will be noted that the line through both centers of spherical supports 60 passes through the fulcrums of the rolls. The' fulcrums of curvilinear bearing surfaces of bearing bodies 56 are also in alignment with the other fulcrums. For this reason, deflection of the rolls will cause the smallest possible dislocation of the bearing body 56 which will result in less strain and compartively little wear on the rolls.

If keys 59 are inserted into this bearing arrangement, the rolls are positively deected into a convex contour, whenever the straightening rolls and supporting means are subjected to a corresponding relative adjustment. This means that the rolls are prevented from being lifted from their pillow-blocks and bearing supports and they can not assume positions shown in Figs. 16 and 20.

Figs. 12 and 13 therefore show a design which permits two different methods of operation.- This has been found desirable so as to increase the range of application, especially when very thin sheets are to be straightened on 'a machine which has been primarily designed for heavier sheets with correspondingly larger roll diameters, which would not permit deection when processing a thin sheet.

It will be understood that the constructions of the sheet straightening machines shown, may be modied in a number of ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. Thus relative adjustments of straightening rolls and supporting means may either be arranged for the lower rolls as shown, or for the upper rolls, or for both lower and upper rolls; or pivot rolls may be eliminated in connection with the constructions shown in Figs. 1, 6, and 7 and roll rests employedi instead of same, retaining however the relative adjustment of straightening rolls and such reinforcing means.

` As the various constructions disclosed are susceptible to a number of other modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the scope of the invention is to be restricted only by the limitations contained in the appended claims.

1. In roller leveler mechanisms, sets of straightening rolls between which a distorted sheet is to pass, supporting means to back up the straightening rolls on their working surfaces, reinforcing elements to sustain one set of said supporting means and further means to regulate the reinforced set of supporting means and its related straightening rolls relative to each other.

2. In roller leveler mechanisms, sets of straightening rolls between which a distorted sheet is to pass, supporting means to back up the straightening rolls on their working surfaces, reinforcing elements to sustain one set of said supporting means and further means to regulate the reinforcing elements and their related straightening rolls relative to each other.

, 3. In roller leveler mechanisms, sets of straightening rolls between which a distorted sheet is to pass, supporting means to back up the straightening rolls on their working surfaces. means to .justablerolls to follow the movements of the rolls.

5. In roller leveler mechanisms, sets of straightening rolls between which a distorted sheet is to pass, supporting means to back up the straightening rolls, bearing supports to sustain one set of straightening rolls, means to lift said set of straightening rolls from said bearing supports and further means to lower said bearing supports.

6. In roller leveler mechanisms, sets of straightening rolls between which a distorted sheet is to pass, supporting rolls to back up the straightening rolls on their working surfaces, bearings to sustain said rolls at their ends, bearing supports to sustain bearings of one set of straightening rolls and related supporting rolls, means to lift said set of straightening rolls and related supporting rolls from saidbearing supports and further means to lower the bearing supports of the liftable straightening yrolls while the latter are being lifted. l

7. In roller leveler mechanisms, sets of straightening rolls between which a distorted sheet is to pass, supporting rolls to back up the straightening rolls on their working surfaces, bearings to sustain both said rolls at their ends, bearing supports to sustain the bearings of one set of straightening rolls and related supporting rolls, means to sustain said set of straightening rolls and related supporting rolls and further means to lower said bearing supports of both said rolls relative to each other.

8. In combination with roller lever mechanisms, straightening rolls and supporting rolls, bearing elements to sustain said rolls at their ends, supporting means to carry said bearing elements, means movably guiding said bearing elements with relation to said supporting means in vertical directions.

guiding said bearing bodies in vertical directions with relation to said supporting means and further means to lock said bearing elements and supl porting means against a vertical movement:

10. In combination with roller leveler mechanisms, straightening rolls and supporting rolls, bearing bodies, curvilinear sliding surfaces thereon to sustain said rolls, supporting-blocks, curvilinear surfaces thereon to oscillatably carry said bearing bodies, the fulcrums ofy said bearing bodies and those of the rolls to be in substantial alignment, and means movably guiding said bearing bodies in vertical directions with relation to said supporting-blocks.

ll. In'combination with roller leveler mechanisms, straightening rolls and supporting rolls, bearing bodies to sustain said rolls, curvilinear bearing supports to oscillatably support said bearing bOdieasUppOrting-blocks to sustain said bearing :s upports, means movably guiding said curvilinear bearing supports in either one of two 12. In combination with roller leveler mechanisms, straighteningrolls and supporting rolls, bearing bodies to sustain said rolls at their ends, curvilinear bearing supports to oscillatably support said bearing bodies, supporting-blocks to carry said bearing supports, means movablyguiding saidvcurvilinear bearing supports in vertical directions with relation to their supportingblocks and further means to lock said curvilinear bearing supports and supporting-blocks against avertical movement, the iulcrums of the curvilinear bearing supports and those .of the rolls being in substantial alignment.

13. In combination with mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls, supporting rolls for same, bearing bodies to sustain said supporting rolls at their ends, supporting blocks to carry said bearing bodies, means movably guidingv said bearing bodies in vertical directions .with relation to said supporting blocks.

14. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls, supporting means to reinforce said straightening rolls substantially in their middle and at locations away therefrom, means to regulate said supporting means `in the middle of the straightening rolls in one vertical direction and to regulate therelated straightening rolls in opposite direction, further means to Amaintain said supporting means at locations away from the middle ofthe straightening rolls in neutral position. l

15. 'In mechanisms of the characterv described, straightening rolls, supporting means to reinforce said straightening rolls substantially in their middle and at locations away therefrom, means to regulateisaid supporting means at locations away from the middle of the straightening rolls in vertical directions and to regulate the related straightening rolls in identical directions relatively vthereto in such a manner that said straightening rolls are displaced greater distances from their neutral locations than said supporting means located away from their middle, further means to maintain said supporting means located substantially in the middle in neutral position.

16. In mechanisms of the characterl described, two rows o straightening rolls, each row adapted to engage one surface oi' a sheet to be ilattened, means to regulate said two rows of straightening rolls toward and away from each other to position said rows of rolls to repeatedly ilex a sheet passed means to regulate said two rows oi straightening..

rolls toward and away trom each other to position said rows of rolls to repeatedly flex a sheet passed between' them, backing means for said rows of straightening rolls, and auxiliary means which afford adjustments of straightening rolls and their related backing-means relative to each Votherinrfidentic'al directions in order to deect said rolls for stretching short sections of the sheet'. e

7 v18. A supportingmechanism for backing deected straightening rolls in roller levelers comprising in combination with straightening rollsl positioned to vrepeatedly ilex a sheet passed between them, one-piece supporting rolls to reinforce said straightening rolls when deflected, and

adjustable means arranged along said supporting rolls adapted to travel toward and away'irom saidsupporting rolls to deflect said supporting rolls into contours similar to those oi' said deected straightening rolls.

19. A supporting mechanism for backing deected straightening rolls in roller levelers comprising in combination with straightening rolls positioned to repeatedly flex a sheet passed between them, one-piece supporting rolls to back said straightening rolls when deflected, bearings to sustain the ends of said supporting rolls, reinforcing means for said supporting rolls, further means adapted to raise or lower the ends oi' said supporting rolls relative to said reinforcingmeans in order to deect said supporting rolls into contours similar to those of said deflected straightening rolls. f d

20. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls positioned to repeatedly ex a sheet passed between them, supporting means to back said straightening rolls when deiiected, reinforcing means arranged along said supporting means adapted -to travel towardand away from said supporting means and to respectively deflect said supporting means and the' related straightening rolls .or permit both to ,bedeected by the sheet passed between said rolls, said deflected straightening rolls engaging the related supporting means substantially along the entirelength oi! the latter.

21. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls positioned to repeatedly ilex a sheet passed between them, supporting means to back said straightening; rolls, adjustable means to regulate said straightening rolls from neutral v locations in either one of two directions, further adjustable means adapted to displace the related supporting means toward or away from said adjusted straightening rolls and to respectively deect said straightening rol1s,or permit them to be deiiected by the sheet passed therebetween, and common means to actuate both said adjustable 'means simultaneously.

22. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls-positioned to repeatedly ex a sheet passed between them, supporting means to back said straightening rolls, independently-operable means to adjust straightening rolls from neutral locations in either one of two directions, further independently-operable means to adjust the related supporting means relative to said adjusted straightening rolls, 'said supporting means being so displaced relative to the related straightening rolls that saidv supporting means will back said rolls when the latter are deflected.

23. In mechanisms of the character described,

straightening mils positioned to repeatedly iiex a sheet passed between them, supporting means arranged therealong adaptedto maintain neutral locations, supplementary adjustable supporting means for said straightening rolls, means adapted` to regulatel said adjustable supporting means in either one of two vertical directions and to regulate the related straightening rolls in opposite direction' thereto. in such a manner that said straightening rolls andrelated adjustable supporting means are displaced substantially equal distances from their. respective neutral locations.

24. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls positioned to repeatedly flex a sheet passed between them, supporting means arranged therealong adapted to maintain neutral locations, supplementary adjustable supporting means for said straightening rolls, means adapted to regulate said adjustable supporting means in one direction and to regulate the related straightening rolls in opposite direction thereto in such a manner that the length of adjustment of said adjustable supporting means is different from the length of adjustment of said related straightening rolls.

25. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls positioned to repeatedly flex a sheet passed between them, means to regulate straightening rolls in either one of two vertical directions for a deflection of said rolls, supporting means for said straightening rolls, means to maintain said supporting means in neutral locations, supplementary adjustable backing means for said straightening rolls adapted to perform equal lengths of travel each in vertical directions and to position said adjustable backing means with respect to said supporting means in such a manner that both said backing means and said supporting means will reinforce the related straightening rolls when the latter are deflected.

26. In mechanisms of the character described, rows of straightening rolls, means to adjust said rows of straightening rolls toward and away from each other to position said rows of rolls to repeatedly ilex a sheet passed between them, supporting means for one set of said straightening rolls adapted to maintain neutral locations,v supplementary adjustable backing means for said set of straightening rolls, and auxiliary adjusting means to displace said adjustable backing means and their related straightening rolls in identical vertical directions in` such a manner that said displacement of said rolls is always greater than said displacement of said related backing means.

27. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls, two rows of supporting rolls arranged therealong to back said straightening rolls, means to maintain the outside ends of said rows of supporting rolls in neutral locations,fur ther means to regulate adjacent ends of said rows of supporting rolls in. either one of two vertical directions! and to regulate the related straightening rolls in opposite direction thereto.

28. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls, two rows of supporting rolls to back said straightening rolls, means to maintain adjacent ends of said rows of supporting rolls in neutral locations, further means to regulate the outside ends of said rows of supporting rolls in eitherv one of two vertical directions and to regulate the related straightening rolls in identical vertical direction relativelythereto.

29. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls positioned to ilex a work sheet passed between them, backing means located intermediate the ends of'said'straightening rolls,

adjustable means to regulate said straightening rolls toward or away from the work sheet, and auxiliary means to regulate their respective backing means in opposite directions thereto to def fleet said straightening rolls to stretch short sections of the work sheet. Y

30. In mechanisms of the character described, straightening rolls positioned to'ex a work sheet passed between them, backing means for said straightening rolls adapted to maintain neutral locations, reinforcing means for said straightening rolls, said backing means and said reinforcing means being arranged along said straightening rolls intermediate their ends, and means which aord adjustments of said straightening rolls and their related reinforcing means relative to each other and relative tosaid neutral backing means for a deflection of said straightening rolls.

3l. In mechanisms of the character described, in combination with straightening rom, one-piece supporting rolls to reinforce said straightening rolls, bearings for both of said rolls at their ends, and means including said bearings and adjustable elements, whereby said straightening rolls and said supporting rolls are deiectable into substantially identical working contours by a sheet moving between said straightening rolls. I

32. The method of straightening sheets in roller levelers'which comprises subjecting a sheet t0 waves or corrugations of differing transverse amplitudeA to stretch short sections of said sheet, raising the middle sections of said waves of differing transverse amplitude and lowering the edge sections of each such raised wave.

33. The method of straightening sheets in roller levelers which comprises subjecting a sheet to waves or corrugations of differing transverse amplitude to stretch short sections of said sheet, lowering the middle sections of said waves of differing transverse amplitude and raising the edge sections of each such lowered wave.

34. In the method of roller leveling sheets by subjecting said sheets to waves or corrugations of differing transverse amplitude to stretch short sections bf said sheetsthe steps which comprise raising .the middle sections of said waves of differing transverse amplitude, maintaining in neutral locations sections of said waves which are away from said middle sections, and lowering the edge sections of said waves of differing transverse amplitude.- f

35. In the method of roller leveling sheets by subjecting said sheets to waves or corrugations of differing transverse amplitude to stretch short sections of said sheets, the steps which comprise lowering the middle sections of said waves of diering transverse amplitude, maintaining in neutral locations sections of said waves which are away from said middle sections, and raising the edge sections of said waves of differing transverse amplitude.

FRIEDRICH K. MUSSNEST. 

